One Series Sweep for Another

Kevin Youkilis had four RBIs and Jon Lester pitched six innings to lift the Boston Red Sox to a 7-3 victory over Tampa Bay yesterday, spoiling the return of Rays ace Scott Kazmir. After being swept for the first time in franchise history by Tampa Bay last weekend, the Red Sox returned the favor and outscored the Rays in the series 26-10.

None of the Tampa Bay starters in the three-game series made it out of the fourth inning. Lester (2-2) allowed a run and four hits with three walks. Scott Kazmir allowed four runs in four innings in his season debut. He had been out since straining his elbow in February. Jonathan Papelbon got the final four outs for his ninth save in nine chances.